Breaking the Isolation Cycle: The Experience of Muslim Refugee Women in Australia
Document Type
Journal Article
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
School
School of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure
RAS ID
5321
Abstract
Based on the findings of focus groups and key informant interviews, an ‘isolation cycle’ is proposed to conceptualize the interrelated processes that marginalize first generation migrant Muslim refugee women from meaningful participation in Australian society. We hold that both internal ‘ethnic’ factors and external societal factors are jointly involved in perpetuating a cycle of isolation for Muslim refugee women. Hence, we propose that the tendency of social analysts, politicians and media commentators alike to focus on one group over the other as a means of casting ‘blame’ on difficulties surrounding integration is misguided. We conclude that more attention is required by Australian services and government agencies in breaking the isolation cycle through a more sustained, pro-active strategy directed not only at refugee settlers, but Australian society in general
DOI
10.1177/011719680601500201
Comments
Northcote, J. K., Hancock, P. J., & Casimiro, S. (2006). Breaking the Isolation Cycle: The Experience of Muslim Refugee Women in Australia. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 15(2), 177-199. Available here.